BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASEWind River/Bighorn Basin District

Release Date:
06/25/12

Contacts:

Sarah Beckwith

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307-347-5207

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Extreme Fire Danger: BLM Urges Caution

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wind River/Bighorn Basin District (WR/BBD) is warning the public that the fire danger rating throughout the WR/BBD is extreme and urges caution for those recreating on public lands.

"We are experiencing a lack of moisture and unseasonably hot and dry conditions which are expected to continue for the foreseeable future," said WR/BBD Assistant Fire Management Officer Ryan Sundberg. "Please be fire safe while recreating this summer."

Several large fires are currently burning in the Rocky Mountain area, some of which were human-caused. Sundberg cautions that wherever you are camping and recreating this summer, there will be plenty of cured vegetation that can easily burn. "Ensure your campfire is completely out before turning in for the night," he added.

In addition, be aware of the potential for a fire to spark when driving or riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) through tall grass. OHVs must be equipped with Society of Automotive Engineers approved spark arresters. The public is also reminded that the use of fireworks is illegal on public lands.

Please report all wildfires immediately to the Cody Interagency Dispatch Center at 1-800-295-9954 or to 911. For more information about fire conditions, contact Sundberg at 307-347-4790.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.